Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Fresh Herbs
A delightful and creamy lemon butter chicken pasta infused with fresh herbs, perfect for any dinner occasion.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 large pot
- 1 mixing spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to soak in the flavors of the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Assembly
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken, tossing to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Stir in fresh parsley and basil, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
Serving
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, as desired. Serve immediately.
Storage
- Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the sauce's consistency.
Notes
Pro Tips: Choose fettuccine pasta for best results. Adjust lemon juice for desired tanginess. Ingredient Substitutions: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. How to Serve: Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Storage & Freshness: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare chicken and sauce in advance; combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.